Military Writers Society of America - Feature Articleshttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/taxonomy/term/62
Articles for Dispatches.
enHow the VA Treats Our Veteranshttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1339
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/002_0.JPG?itok=L-29pDTy"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/002_0.JPG?itok=L-29pDTy" width="480" height="337" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: left;" align="center">A Visit to a Veterans Medical Center—Contrary to What You Might Be Thinking</p>
<p>Let me introduce you to the most important man in my life: 87-year old Sgt. William J. Ekwall, World War II Veteran, U. S. Army Air Corps, turret gunner on a B 24 nicknamed “The Monster, 33 bombing missions over Germany; and my father-in-law.</p>
<p>He is a tool and die maker by trade.; ever so precise with measurements, cuts and grinds. He has a garage and a shed of tools that are the envy of any craftsman. He built model railroads and transformed scrap wood into one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork that adorn the walls of our home today. The tools lay waiting on shelves and drawers for the hands that once finessed them with deft precision; the hands that cared for them and gave them their purpose. But the tools have remained silent for more than a year now. </p>
<p>It was in 2009 that “Bill” was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This degenerative brain disease has taken its toll on him. It has methodically and progressively stolen from us the man we know and love. The smile is no more, and the gleam in his blue eyes is lost somewhere in the entanglement of brain fibers that once burst with life and a contagious personality.</p>
<p>When Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s it was through a cooperative effort between the VA and Vanderbilt University. Bill’s primary care physician, assigned to him five years ago, is in fact a Nurse Practitioner. She has the skills, knowledge, understanding and compassion far beyond any “public doctor” that cared for Bill prior to his qualifying for VA care. Her name is Carla Leuschan and her support team consists of two nurses; Lisa and Terry. The three of them are a trio of professionals who take their work seriously and provide the best care I’ve witnessed in any medical environment. They are dedicated to their professions and committed to every Veteran that walks through the front door of this VA facility.</p>
<p>Ms. Leushcan was the first to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer’s as it began its treacherous course through Bill’s brain. She ordered tests; blood work, x rays and CT scans, and she eventually brought the Vanderbilt expertise into the diagnosis. They only confirmed through an MRI (a test not available at this VA center) what Ms. Leuschan had already feared.</p>
<p>The VA arrangement with Vanderbilt dictated that the remainder of his care associated with the disease would be left up to the VA and Ms. Leuschan. Her remarkable knowledge of pharmaceuticals, disease progression, symptoms and pure human intuition has given us the ability to recognize, understand and respond to each progression of the disease and the changes it has caused in Bill’s behavior. Through Ms. Leuschan and her team, we have been able to anticipate the “change moments” in the course of Bill’s life and respond to them in such a way that Bill will always know we are there for him, his comfort and our own well being.</p>
<p>On Monday, March 3, 2013, Bill suffered severe abdominal pain , coupled with vomiting, diarrhea, extreme weakness and hallucinations. It was time to get him to the VA.</p>
<p>From the moment we entered the hospital, as we had dozens of times before, we were greeted with smiles,--genuine smiles--and arms that wrapped him in familiar hugs, hands held out in recognition of a Veteran they had come to know, admire and love. A Veteran they, too had shared in the loss of his personality. A person they all knew and remembered, but a person who could no longer recognize and remember them. I t didn’t matter. They loved this man, this Veteran, my father-in-law.</p>
<p>The following is an email I sent to my brother that evening:</p>
<p><em>It's 8:40 on Monday night and we just got home from Bill and Delores'. I feel a need to tell someone how I feel tonight, and you are the one person I know I can count on. I usually suppress these things, but tonight feels different. Bill, it seems, has entered a new phase in his long life. Barb's mom called us three times within 45 minutes, the concern in her voice was more apparent with each call.</em></p>
<p><em>Bill was having episodes of severe hiccups and incoherent talking of things past. When we got to their house, Bill was fairly calm, but his thoughts were random---fleeting between the past, the present and the what-ifs. I sat there, watching this man, this Veteran, stumbling on words, on thoughts, at times staring at the space between his chair and the TV, then grappling to put on his night clothes--and I wondered if God really knows what He's doing. I was reassured of that when we were finally able to get Bill ready for bed--a bad case of the shits, a shower--more shits—clean up with a long shower, wipe with a towel, get ready for bed, and we laid him down to sleep. (hopefully uninterrupted for the sake of Delores). Lying there, quiet, even in his confused state of mind--I believe even he was unsure if he would wake in the morning--he grabbed my hand, squeezed it firmly, and thanked me for everything and anything I had ever done for him. Tears blurred my vision, but I stayed strong, and I squeezed his hand, told him I was proud of him, and told him that I loved him. And we said good night. To me, God gave me this man to give me the dad I really never knew.</em></p>
<p>I have been blessed to have this man in my life. And I have been blessed to have the privilege of taking him for the past five years from the front doors of the VA hospital to the check-in desk, to the blood lab, to Ms. Leuschan’s clinic, to urology, x ray and CT scan, cardiology, psychology and the cafeteria. At every stop, it’s a smile, a handshake, a hug and often times a kiss on the cheek. And it’s not just Bill. It is Veteran after Veteran that streams through the daily process and he or she is given, freely and openly, the hearts of these dedicated professionals.</p>
<p>Along the way, I have come to realize and recognize the phenomenal people that call themselves the staff of the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center. I’ve met people who have spent fifteen, twenty and twenty-five years, doing the same job day in and day out. Yet, they never, ever have shown a compromise for their responsibilities or their commitment to the Veterans they serve.</p>
<p>Bill is quiet tonight, lying in the tranquility of an ICU ward and its guardians. I don’t know what plans God has in the near future for Bill. But I do know He has placed him in the hands and hearts of some very special people.<em></em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div></div></div>Thu, 07 Mar 2013 03:02:20 +0000Terry Gould1339 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1339#commentsRecommended Reading List Winter 2013http://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1279
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p align="center">MWSA Recommended Reading List</p>
<p align="center">Winter 2013 </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p>The Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) is an organization of over one thousand writers, poets, and artists drawn together by a common bond of military service. One purpose of our Society is to review the written works of our members. From our recent book reviews, we’ve selected the following as our 2013 Winter Recommended Reading List: </p>
<p align="center">Tales of Tomasewski by Del Staecker </p>
<p align="center">Leave No Man Behind by George Galdorisi &amp; Tom Phillips </p>
<p align="center">The Rendition by Albert Ashforth </p>
<p align="center">Letters for Logan by Debra Bastian </p>
<p align="center">Chosin File by Dale Dye </p>
<p align="center">Thirty Days with my Father: Finding Peace From Wartime PTSD by Christal Presley </p>
<p align="center">Tom Clancy Presents: Act of Valor by George Galdorisi &amp; Dick Couch </p>
<p align="center">Peleliu File by Dale A. Dye Thriller/Mystery </p>
<p align="center">Still Having Fun - A Portrait of the Military Marriage of Rex and Bettie George, 1941–2007</p>
<p align="center"> by Candace George Thompson </p>
<p align="center">Onishiwan, 1945 by David Westwood </p>
<p align="center">Dog Soldier Moon by McKenree R. Long lll </p>
<p align="center">A Heart Without Words by David McDonald </p>
<p align="center">Ghosts of Babylon by R.A. Mathis </p>
<p align="center">Mistletoe, Merriment, and Murder by Sara Rosett</p>
<p align="center"> A Thousand Letters Home by Teresa K. Irish </p>
<p align="center">Listen for the Whispers: Coping with Grief and Learning to Live Again by Kim Kluxen Meredith </p>
<p align="center"> Beware the Jabberwock by Chester D. Campbell </p>
<p align="center">The Team by David M. Salkin </p>
<p align="center">The Complicity Doctrine by Matt Frick </p>
<p align="center">Alexander's Lighthouse by Don Westenhaver </p>
<p align="center">Barbados Bound by Linda Collison </p>
<p align="center">Forgotten Soldiers: What Happened to Jacob Walden by Warren Martin </p>
<p align="center">The Trail Cook Chronicles by David Michaelson </p>
<p align="center">The Renegades by Tom Young </p>
<p align="center">Haysoos the Honu by Kristin Barnes </p>
<p align="center">George 3-7th Marines: A Brief Glimpse through Time of a Group of Young Marines by Jim Nicholson </p>
<p align="center">No Good Like It IS by Mike McKendree Long lll </p>
<p align="center">Shaken to the Core (and Finding God's Strength) by Marjorie Hodgson Parker </p>
<p align="center">Get Rich in a Niche- The Insider's Guide to Self-Publishing in a Specialized Market by Jeffrey W. Bennett </p>
<p align="center">Miss You to Pieces - A Deployment Story and Project Idea for Kids by Donna M. Purkey </p>
<p align="center">Shaken to the Core by Marjorie Hodgson Parker </p>
<p align="center"> </p>
<p>Wow! 2012 is over, and I imagine most of us are (not?) looking forward to losing weight and paying holiday bills. I suggest that when you get a respite from taking down the decorations or from standing in those long return lines, settle back with your Kindle, Nook, IPad, or just an old fashioned book and take your mind off the fiscal cliff and those things other people call the issues. Yes, once again we have just what you’re looking for: a superb selection of good books. Check out a couple of the books mentioned above.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Member News</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div></div></div>Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:40:40 +0000Bob Doerr1279 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1279#commentsOn Watchhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1278
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">On Watch</span></strong></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I had the twenty hundred to midnight watch on deck,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It was Christmas Eve and it was cold as heck.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As I stood there gazing out over the ocean,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My heart was filled with deep emotion.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For my wife and sons were preparing for bed,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I know for a fact they had nothing to dread.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For this gigantic war machine was guarding the sea,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And the sailors aboard my ship were counting on me.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">To stand my watch with professionalism and zeal,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So they could sleep the ship’s warmth to feel.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And they could dream of being home with loved ones,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">While the ship moved about, cooks making fresh buns.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For Christmas morn would soon arrive,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The protected folks at home would still be alive.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I looked up at the stars from the edge of the sponson,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And counted my blessings, because I had some.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I lived in a country where I can raise my family,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And freedom of worship is not an anomaly.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A place where I can choose my God,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">A place where my God’s son Jesus trod.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m proud to stand this watch on Christmas Eve,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">And I’ll pray that next year I won’t have to leave.</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">God bless America and our men and women who defend,</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">So that we all have our freedoms that will never end!</span></p>
<p align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial;">AMEN!</span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/38" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Navy</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/51" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Poetry</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/71" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Single Poem</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/poetry" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Poetry Corner</a></div></div></div>Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:35:48 +0000Robert Rotruck1278 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1278#commentsWriting tipshttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1237
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In the November 4 issue of the New York Times is this article by a former political speechwriter that I'm passing on to everyone. Though the subject is his experience as a speechwriter, there are many aspects of his writing life that have broad application to the field. The link is: </p>
<p><a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/the-political-speechwriters-life/?ref=opinion">http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/the-political-speechwrit...</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/55" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Writing</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div></div></div>Sun, 04 Nov 2012 13:48:32 +0000Dwight Zimmerman1237 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1237#commentsKindle Online Lending Library (KOLL) - Use it or Abuse it?http://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1020
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/TLJ%20Front%20Cover2_0.jpg?itok=2YUHwcqU"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/TLJ%20Front%20Cover2_0.jpg?itok=2YUHwcqU" width="200" height="301" alt="The Last Jump - A Novel of Woprld War II" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>A debate has been raging in Cyberspace ever since Amazon announced the Kindle Online Lending Library (KOLL). What's the issue? According to some, Amazon is throwing its weight around, trying to crush the competition with this new offering. If an author allows their eBook to be "borrowed" by signing up for KOLL (for a minimum 90 day stint), the author must grant Amazon exclusive rights to distribute their eBook. In exchange, Amazon will pay the author a certain sum of money for each time someone (Amazon Prime Members only) "borrows" his or her eBook. Thus, the name Kindle Online Lending Library (this program also goes under the name KDP Select).</p>
<p>Some authors criticize Amazon for using its clout in an apparent attempt to drive out competition. Barnes &amp; Noble (Nook) and Smashwords promise to be particularly hard hit if Amazon can control the digital marketplace. Some see this eventual domination by one company as bad for all authors. These authors would eschew this offering from Amazon and try to convince others to do the same. In some other cases, an additional justification to ignore the KOLL is simply a matter of pride, as some prefer to see their book available in as many formats and from as many sources as possible.</p>
<p>On the other hand, getting one's eBook "borrowed" can only increase exposure and provide the author with another source of revenue not available today. Proponents would suggest a financial analysis to determine if the additional "borrow" revenue offsets the lost revenue from other sources. In addition, Amazon will permit a free giveaway promotion for any 5 days within any 90-day period. If this doesn't appeal to you, I get it! It certainly didn’t appeal to me when I first signed up, but hang around to see how that turned out.</p>
<p>Insofar as the social, moral and philosophical aspects of Amazon's play in this space, I'll leave those esoteric arguments and judgment to others. I couldn't care less how Amazon is leveraging its size to improve its market share. I looked at this opportunity solely on the basis of how it affects my royalties, since I donate part of those payments to charity.</p>
<p>The digital eBook has created a revolution in our industry and all the old rules no longer apply. Authors are now much more in control of their own marketing, distribution and sales and are obligated to use this freedom to support their causes and further their aspirations as authors. So I preferred to analyze the Amazon offering from the viewpoint of a newly published author operating on a shifting landscape in a new and changing publishing world.</p>
<p>I decided to take the plunge back in December 2011 when Amazon announced KOLL after realizing that my Amazon sales were 10-15 times greater than all my other channels combined. It was also out of curiosity, and I only needed to commit for 90 days. Why not?</p>
<p>After committing, Amazon had exclusive rights to sell my eBook, <em>The Last Jump - A Novel of World War II</em>. I gave up NO other rights to my work but I had to un-publish my eBook from all other channels which included Barnes &amp; Noble, Smashwords, Google Books and my publisher's website. Amazon certainly didn't take my word for it, as they must have launched a search-bot to verify they were the only seller. They found something out there, never told me what it was (it could have been my own website) but asked for a pile of additional information from me in a seriously threatening email. We eventually cleared this up, but they certainly need some training on how to deal with customers and business partners.</p>
<p>Amazon originally announced they had placed $600,000 in an account for the first 90 days of the program. At the end of the quarter, they split the pot among all books borrowed (to get a rate per book) and paid each author that rate times the number of books borrowed during that period. Since then the have placed $500,000 in the pot and because the number of participants and "borrows" varies, the rate also varies.</p>
<p>Here is how much Amazon has paid per "borrow" since December:</p>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td width="124">
<p><strong>Dec</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="134">
<p>$1.70</p>
</td>
</tr><tr><td width="124">
<p><strong>Jan 2012</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="134">
<p>$1.60</p>
</td>
</tr><tr><td width="124">
<p><strong>Feb</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="134">
<p>$2.01</p>
</td>
</tr><tr><td width="124">
<p><strong>Mar</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="134">
<p>$2.18</p>
</td>
</tr><tr><td width="124">
<p><strong>Apr</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="134">
<p>$2.48</p>
</td>
</tr><tr><td width="124">
<p><strong>May</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="134">
<p>$2.26</p>
</td>
</tr></tbody></table><p>In my case in the first 90 days, the revenue for "borrows" exceeded the royalties paid by all other sources (besides Amazon) combined. I easily made much more per month lending <em>The Last Jump</em> than I made selling it through the other sales channels. From a math point of view, KOLL made sense for me. Therefore, after 90 days, I re-upped for another 90-day tour, and those results were similarly successful. I've given it a reasonable trial period and I like the results so I'm sticking with it, and I will as long as Amazon can keep paying in the $2.00 per borrow range.</p>
<p>My biggest concern was that having <em>The Last Jump</em> in the KOLL would suppress sales. The interesting part of this analysis was my worst fear was not realized. I assumed that my sales might diminish by about the same rate as the "borrows" increased. I was surprised to find this was not the case. Sales remained constant at about the same level (before KOLL) while at the same time the additional "borrows" actually increased my monthly revenue.</p>
<p>Another feature of the KOLL allows authors five days during each 90-day period in which they can give their eBook away for free--without royalties, of course. Obviously, at first blush, this didn't interest me at all. But after noting that two other authors (whom I knew) were promoting their own eBooks with a free giveaway promotion, I decided <em>what the hell, let me try it too</em>. So we teamed up to offer free downloads in honor of the fallen for Memorial Day. One of the authors built an "e-poster" with all three eBooks featured, and we collaborated to distribute emails and posts to our respective friends/families and social media sites. Again, I was concerned that this giveaway would impact sales but was willing to try the experiment and observe the results. I was astounded by what happened!</p>
<p>First off, <em>The Last Jump</em> received over 21,100 free downloads. Unbelievable! The other authors were in the same ballpark. At first I figured <em>there goes 21,000 eBook sales.</em> But a strange thing happened. I sold as many in the three days after Memorial Day as was sold in the entire month of May prior to Memorial Day. So far in June my sales are running about eight-nine times normal and my "borrows" are at roughly the same multiplier. I haven't seen the same acceleration of hard book sales at this time, but June results are still preliminary. Besides, I'm not expecting any shift in hard book sales since I consider this unique to the eBook world.</p>
<p>In June my sales ranking on Amazon has gone through the roof. I don't know how much longer this phenomenon will last and I can't explain how or why this occurred but the cause and effect are clear. Getting so much exposure for The Last Jump based on the free promotion somehow stimulated further interest and increased sales and borrows dramatically. So, beside the financial benefit of earning money for each borrow, the opportunity to provide a "giveaway" turned out to be the bigger benefit of the Kindle Online Lending Library. It propelled sales immediately and pushed my ranking and daily sales numbers to a new level. Needless to say, I will be doing this free promotion again on Veteran's Day.</p>
<p>I'm sure personal experiences will vary according to the many factors that are different for each eBook. Style, genre, quality, size and subject vary all over the place and will influence results from joining the KOLL. And there are those who will refuse to consider utilizing the KOLL for reasons of principle. However, I thought I 'd share my experience, as one story among many that will play out during this remarkable digital revolution. Perhaps it will help someone else out there.</p>
<p>Good luck to all of you on your journey.</p>
<p> John E. Nevola - Author of <em>The Last Jump - A Novel of World War II</em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-amzn field-type-asin field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div class="">
<img height="75" width="50" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WLb5K9SdL._SL75_.jpg" alt="Image of The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II" title="The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II" /><div><strong><a href="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/amazon_store/item/B003XNTARK" rel="nofollow">The Last Jump: A Novel of World War II</a></strong></div>
<div><strong>Manufacturer:</strong> Outskirts Press, Inc.</div>
<div><strong>Part Number:</strong> </div>
<div><strong>Price:</strong> </div>
</div>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/37" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Army</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/21" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Fiction</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/22" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Historical</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/30" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">History</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/49" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Military</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">MWSA Info</a></div><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/64" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Publishing</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/48" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On Marketing</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/47" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">On Publishing</a></div></div></div>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 23:59:28 +0000John E. Nevola - Author of The Last Jump1020 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1020#commentsSubmitting a Request for Reviewhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1015
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p style="text-align: justify;">The system for submitting a book for review and or award has changed. A form is now available on our web site, it must be filled out completely to be accepted. If you leave items blank it will delay acceptance of your request as that would require the email form being returned to you for completion.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The form can be accessed from our web site, right hand side "Submit Book for Review." All prior methods of requesting a review will no longer be accepted.<br /><br /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div></div></div>Fri, 15 Jun 2012 13:46:18 +0000Jim Greenwald1015 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1015#comments25th Anniversary, Disaster in the Gulf; Remembering USS Stark's Valiant Familyhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1006
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/USS%20Stark%20listing%20best%20300px-USS_Stark.jpg?itok=46j0QaYi"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/USS%20Stark%20listing%20best%20300px-USS_Stark.jpg?itok=46j0QaYi" width="300" height="200" alt="See doc text box, email to Jim" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The American flag flutters above the nearly cut in two and listing USS Stark (FFG-31). On May 17, 1987, in the Persian Gulf –15 months before the Iran/Iraq War ends – the guided missile frigate is on a routine exercise in international waters.</p>
<p>At one point, the Stark has under surveillance a distant French-built Iraqi Mirage F-1 fighter plane. As it flies closer, the guided missile frigate detects the aircraft’s radar and radios two messages asking for identification. No responses. The stage is set for the only successful <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-ship_missile" title="Anti-ship missile">anti-ship missile</a> attack on a U.S. Navy warship.</p>
<p>The Iraqi pilot launches into USS Stark two deadly 1,500 pound French-constructed Exocet missiles, then veers away and skedaddles back to Iraq. Explosions and fires rock the ship. Out of the chaos comes Stark officers and enlisted hell bent on rescuing their ship at all costs.</p>
<p>Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, quickly apologizes in a letter to President Reagan, which he accepts. Hussein explains that the pilot – who remains anonymous – <em>mistook </em>the Stark for an Iranian ship. Further, Iraq will correct the error with compensation to the victims’ families and, eventually, some millions toward a major rebuild of the severely damaged frigate. The money is no consolation to the families of the 37 off-duty, enlisted sailors who died as they slept in their racks. Hussein ignores compensating Stark’s 21 wounded, including two with brutal burns.</p>
<p>On these May 17-18 days, all Stark sailors are heroes. Although 25% of the crew has perished or is disabled, the remaining 115 or so officers and enlisted aren’t about to give up their ship. So for more than 18 hours, outside and within the ship, they battle raging fires and dangerous flooding. Credit goes to them for their damage control skills that save the USS Stark and, thus, the loss of more shipmates.</p>
<p><strong>MORE TO COME</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-mentioned field-type-text field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Members Mentioned:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Bonar, Yockey, Nancy</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/49" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Military</a></div><div class="field-item odd" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/38" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Navy</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dispatches</a></div></div></div>Sun, 10 Jun 2012 11:49:28 +0000Nancy Yockey Bonar1006 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1006#commentsLignum Vitae - in Memorium by Ron Camardahttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1003
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><h1><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img alt="" class="media-image" height="165" width="220" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/In%20Memorium.png?itok=1Y2Z9m-8" title="" /></span></span></span></strong></h1>
<h1><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></h1>
<h1><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></h1>
<h1><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lignum Vitae – in memoriam </span></span></span></strong></h1>
<p><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"> </span><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">My garden is colorful and a little unruly</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Not far from the sea</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Not far from the river</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> Snapdragons</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> Geraniums</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> Mums and ground orchids</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> Impatience…and colorful weeds!</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The Easter lilies have dropped their white petals</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Bees do what bees do</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Birds call to each other </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">and attempt to impress</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">I am back home…again</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Just like when I returned last week to </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Stella Maris “Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel”</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">At the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to celebrate her 50<sup>th</sup> Birthday</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Thank You Jesus! </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">for calling me on this journey</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Sometimes the seas were calm</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Many times they were quite rough</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">And on a few occasions we had to batten down the hatches!</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As a cadet aboard the SS Doctor Lykes back in 1980, we were in the North Atlantic as the waves tossed about our huge ship like a bobbing apple attempting to avoid the proverbial bite! I was just 20 years old on my internship on merchant ships attempting to get my license.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Not thinking but seeking a thrill, the other cadet and I went close to the waterline as we rolled at 20 to 40 degree rolls. We opened the hatch door to the deck area used to tie up the ship on the starboard side. It was like a large balcony. We then closed ourselves off from the safety of the ship by securing the wheel of the door hatch. The sea coming within a yard of the deck mesmerized us. We took pictures of each other as the waves looked to be above our area. I flinched at the massive wave as my cadet buddy laughed at me. I was thinking that I wish I were more brave. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Then as I was taking his picture, my warning was heeded as if I was crying wolf. “Look out!” I am not sure he could hear my scream compared with the crash of the wave into our balcony.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">As the sea and all its power flooded our deck area, we grabbed onto whatever would keep us connected to the ship. We quickly swam to the wheel of the door like monkeys swinging from tree-to-tree as the water rose to our chests. As the ship heaved to port she took the water with her. If we opened the hatch at this time, we would flood the ship. I don’t think I have ever felt so small and insignificant in my whole life. We were in a very dangerous, foolish and life-threatening position. We were fish in a little fishbowl while the cat played with us and smiled.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">After what seemed like eternity, the ship seemed to roll to starboard as the water poured out of our area like the rapids. My grip was releasing without my permission.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Then one of us screamed to open the hatch even though the water was still about a foot above the bottom of the door. We both with herculean (or desperate) strength spun the stubborn wheel of the hatch that had kept us from safety while keeping the ship from flooding.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Even though the ocean was still a few inches above the doorstep, we started to roll back to port…</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">So we opened the hatch and flowed into the ship with a few inches of ocean water. We slid onto the deck and simultaneously turned back to the hatch and slammed the door shut against the raging sea just as the next wave of water slammed up as high as the port hole in the door!</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">We spun the wheel and collapsed onto the bottom landing attempting to catch our breath as we watched in a trance as the few inches of water drained into the drains.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">We knew something greater than ourselves could have opened and closed that hatch. It seemed even stronger than adrenalin. Now all we had to do was sneak up to our cabins unseen and get out of our slopping wet clothes. Hopefully, all evidence would evaporate. If we got caught, we might not get keelhauled, but are careers as Merchant Officers would be in serious jeopardy. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The next day, the Chief Mate had me tag along for his safety check of the ship to evaluate any damage from the storm. I had only been on board for about two weeks and I was still young and dumb. When we came to <strong><em>the door</em></strong>, he warned me to never go out on that deck while the ship is underway. It is even dangerous during calm waters. He told me how they almost lost an able-bodied seaman overboard in fairly calm seas. He looked me in the eyes and he misinterpreted my fear as agreeing with his assessment and mentoring. I shook my head, pretending to be in disbelief. This is probably one of my greatest lies. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">My pictures are a wash. I had to buy a new camera in the Netherlands. After all these years, I am still afraid I will get in trouble for my ill-advised thrill seeking. However, the story is part of me and I don’t want to let it go. Yes! Yes! God must have saved me that day. It was a miracle. I was raised up from the depths of the sea; even though unworthy I am. </span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="color: #000000;">**On the bridge of the ship, we seek and scan the horizon for the navigational lights. When we see it, we have great joy like the magi seeing the star over the house where the baby Jesus laid. But then we must keep going among the rocks, shoals and dangers until we reach a <strong><em>safe harbor.</em></strong></span></span></span></p>
<h2><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Psalm 93</span></span></span></strong></h2>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Some sailed to the sea in ships </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">to trade on the mighty waters.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">These men have seen the Lord’s deeds, </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">the wonders he does in the deep.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"> </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">For he spoke; he summoned the gale, </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">raising up the waves of the sea.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Tossed up to heaven, then into the deep; </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">their soul melted away in their distress</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"> </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They staggered, reeled like drunken men, </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">for all their skill was gone.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Then they cried to the Lord in their need </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">and he rescued them from their distress.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"> </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">He stilled the storm to a whisper: </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">all the waves of the sea were hushed.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They rejoiced because of the calm </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">and he led them to the haven they desired.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color: #000000; font-family: Cambria; font-size: medium;"> </span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Let them thank the Lord for his love,</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">the wonders he does for men and women.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Let them exalt him in the gathering of the people </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">and praise him in the meeting of the elders.</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">The Mariner’s Chapel was built for the Glory of God and in memoriam for the men and officers who lost their lives at sea. Over 7000 human beings and 142 midshipmen who died are remembered in this House of God. This is the place where I received my vocation and calling to navigate the ship of my soul and be a light to others. The chapel is a navigational light that is used to navigate the Long Island Sound. It also helps us to find the safe harbor of our souls.</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">This Memorial Chapel is not just a stone, but it is a living stone. Just like the “lignum vitae” of the ship, the chapel is that special wood that keeps the ship afloat. The “lignum vitae” simply means, “living wood.” It is used in the stern tube to connect the huge propeller to the ocean. Without it, the ship will sink. </span></span></span></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">In similar ways, </span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">By remembering those heroes and heroines who died in war for us</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">They link us to life</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Both within the ship of life</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">And of course to the life beyond in the wonders of the deep!</span></span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Lignum vitae, living in memoriam </span></span></span></em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-moreimages field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.mwsadispatches.com/sites/default/files/more_images/Tell%20America.png" width="640" height="480" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dispatches</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div></div></div>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:15:22 +0000Jim Enderle1003 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1003#commentsMoon's Mutterings: Thoughtshttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1002
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year I was egotistic enough to enter two books in the Independent Publisher’s review process. I submitted both nationally and regionally. At the time I stated that I had no expectations, but along the way I have dreamed about what it could mean. It is time for the results of the competitive process to be posted. Today I looked. I got nothing. I didn’t even get an honorable mention. Despite my cavalier attitude, I was and am disappointed. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having had some moderate success in my first few attempts to write, I thought I could challenge the world and be noticed. My success thus far enabled me to try to compete on a much larger scale. My life-long philosophy has been, “It is better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big one?” I had the audacity to violate that principle. Now my ass is smarting from the whuppin’ I took in the larger pond. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After scanning the many categories multiple times my deflated ego allowed my mind to see some truth. I am naught but another erstwhile writer in a lake of erstwhile writers. For a few weeks I have forgotten what my purpose was in writing and how it has evolved. I started this journey because I wanted to write some story-poems and publish them. It was a small dream I never allowed to surface until a very few years ago. I wanted to share some stories that people could not tell about themselves. I hoped to pen some of my own. There were no aspirations for wealth. There were no thoughts that I would be widely read. I hoped to matter to even just one person, to share something meaningful to a very few people. My financial goal was breaking even so perhaps I could do it again. It was, and has been, nothing more than that. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My being involved in a second book with other veterans I have come to know, respect, and love, had the same goals. I was challenged to do something besides poetry, thus I wrote my first book of short stories. The task was daunting to me. The costs far exceeded anything I planned initially. The goals were the same, albeit the financial one a much loftier target. I have a distance to dogpaddle before I can breathe well again. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The point is, I let my ego convince me to go from a lake where I felt loved and respected, and appreciated, into a lake where snapping turtles lurked just beneath my webbed feet. In so doing, I took the focus off feeding my heart and honed in at stroking the ego. I changed purpose and simply quadrupled the anxiety in my life and the possibility for disappointment. Failure is growth. I have not failed, however. I made a misjudgment. It is time to revisit my purpose. I do want to sell more books. It takes money, no matter how cheaply you imagine you can do it, to market. I may expand my audience, but in so doing I push my break-even point further away. I have floated into another dichotomy. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To add lead weights in place of the water-wings I once wore, today I heard another ripple of discontent among the people with whom I have lovingly chosen to associate. There is another wave of belief in my beloved MWSA that we little guys, we erstwhile writers, are undesirable among the geese and swans in our small lake. Our founder’s original purpose was to get stories told, to get small time writers a home where they could learn and grow in the craft. He wanted personalities in the more successful, more professional author world to mentor us, love us, respect us, and inspire us to grow in a wonderful, challenging craft. As happened four years ago, briefly again a little more than a year ago, we have once more become a burden and undesirable. We don’t belong among the professional, or more professional, writers. There are other groups where they could gather, but they came to us —with the knowledge of our founder’s ideals—and now want us to become what those other writing organizations are. They apparently do not like seeing us well received, even on a limited basis, and must feel we contaminate their efforts. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I find myself marking twain. I looked not for shallow water. Neither did I look for water too deep for me. I wanted a lazy river where I could glide along in my inner tube soaking up rays of wisdom, yet be prepared by the guidance of those more experienced so I could survive the rapids I knew would be somewhere downstream. I wanted people sharing the river with me who knew more, who would critique me in such a way that I would learn and grow. I wanted to share the current with those who could and would respect my goals, my dreams, my talent if indeed there were some. I wanted to pay tribute to them and respect them and thank them for allowing me a peek inside their world, for allowing me to float along with them, but not in their way. My inner tube is composed of those people, the kind I define herein, that are essentially my writing world’s circle of friends. I had no plan to prick their inner tubes, nor did I expect them to want to prick mine. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There may be wiser ducks in my pond. There may be more talented ducks in my pond. But there are no larger hearts in my pond than my own. The ducks here are not better ducks than I. </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I am once again faced with a question. Do I leave the pond to them or contine swimming because of my respect and appreciation for our founder? Do I stay because of the people who do like having me here, who do care about me, who don’t feel threatened by me for some unknown reason, and for those whom I have come to love? </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am in those rapids ′bout which I earlier wrote. There are rocks in them I did not anticipate. Do I fight my way through or struggle to the shore where I can collect myself and look for another pond?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mike Mullins, 5.4.12</span></span></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/37" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Army</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-topic field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Topic:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/articles" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Dispatches</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/62" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Feature Articles</a></div></div></div>Thu, 07 Jun 2012 23:01:50 +0000Mike Mullins1002 at http://www.mwsadispatches.comhttp://www.mwsadispatches.com/node/1002#comments